Online Banking Safety

Online Banking Safety

And

Identifying the Most Common Online Threats

Online Banking

☼         Password Protection and PIN – Your password and PIN (personal identification number) are the first line of defense, and are your unique identifier.  Be sure not to share them with anyone – most frauds involving hijacked accounts originate with someone the victim knows.

☼         Multi-Factor Authentication – This form of identity verification provides added security by requiring multiple forms of identification, such as something you know (password or PIN) and something you have.

☼            Encryption – Once you are online with Central Federal, your transactions and personal information are secured by encryption software that converts the information into code that is readable by only your and CFSL.  Look for the little lock in the lower right of your screen.

Whether you are using CFSL Online Banking or just “surfing,” the Internet some easily implemented precautions can help safeguard your personal information from identity theft and account fraud:

☼         Passwords – Security begins with a strong password, which only you, the user, knows.  We advice a combination of letters and numbers, and advise against using easily guessed passwords such as birthdays or home addresses.

☼         Anti-virus Protection – Make sure the anti-virus software on your computer is current and scans your email as it is received.

☼         Email Communication – Email is generally not encrypted so be careful in sending sensitive information such as account numbers or other personal information in this way.

IF YOU RECEIVE AN UNSCHEDULED OR UNSOLICITED EMAIL PURPORTING TO BE FROM CFSL BE CAUTIOUS – TAKE THE TIME TO CALL YOUR BANK AND MAKE SURE THE EMAIL WAS SENT FROM YOUR BANKER.  WE HAVE YOUR ACCOUNT INFORMATION AND WILL NEVER NEED TO REQUEST IT IN THE FORM OF AN EMAIL.

☼         Signing Off – Always log off by following the CFSL secured area exit procedures to ensure the protection of your personal information.

☼         Be Aware – Crooks are tying to get your personal information – and they employ some very ingenious methods.  Don’t respond to any unusual requests for personal information – when you opened your bank accounts you already gave it.  When in doubt call us at 573-364-1024.

Most electronic fraud falls into one of three categories.

Understand these to understand how best to protect yourself.

☼          PHISHING – Fraudulent emails purporting to be from your bank or a similar trusted source lures you to a copycat website (one that may look just like your bank’s site).  Once there you are instructed to “verify” certain personal information, which is then used to hijack your accounts and your identity.  If you receive a suspicious email, delete the message and call your bank to inform them of the email.

☼          PHARMING – Also called “domain spoofing,” this cyber crime intercepts Internet traffic and re-routes it to a fraudulent site.  Once there, the victim is asked to enter personal information, just as with Phishing.

☼          MALWARE – This is software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner’s knowledge.  Examples of malware (malicious software) include computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware, and adware.